Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will not need surgery to repair the damaged knee
ligament that has prematurely ended his season.

Specialist knee surgeon Richard Steadman has told the
21-year-old - who tore his cruciate ligament during an
FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace - that the tear
should heal naturally.

The tear should
heal naturally and that is a boost for everyone

Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson

"It's really good news on Chris, he doesn't need an
operation after all," said Liverpool assistant manager Phil
Thompson.

"He won't play again this season but he should be okay to
start pre-season training with the rest of the lads.

"If he had needed an operation the chances are that his
rehabilitation would have overlapped with that and it is very
important, even for a goalkeeper, that they get their groundwork
done during the summer.

"We've spoken to Chris and he's happy with the verdict.
No-one likes to go under the surgeon's knife. The tear should
heal naturally and that is a boost for everyone."

Kirkland, tipped as a future England international, played
15 games for Liverpool this season after replacing Pole Jerzy
Dudek, conceding 14 goals.